234
44
So far as we can gauge, from conversations with buyers, it appears that the bulk of the business is done by method (1).
From information generally received, it seems probable, that the cost of handling the goods by method (1) is the lowest further. that by probably all methods, there is a saving over the cost of handling British made goods through British houses in England and China, owing to smaller overhead charges. No estimate of the amount of this advantage to the Japanese mills can be offered.
EXPORTS FROM JAPAN.
70. Worsted and Woollen Cloth exports from Japan. Total of all classes to all parts of the world. In £1,000-converted at £1-10 yen.
1913 were either non-existent or inconsiderable.
1926
1927
1928
1929
291
253
334
415
131
45
CONCLUSIONS.
71. It will be seen that Japanese competition exists as yet in China and Kwantung (Manchuria) only and that to a small extent. It is, moreover, only in cheaper goods where a high standard of perfection is not essential. Japan is, however, by tradition and training, a nation of weavers and her skill in the highest types of material such as silk tapestries and brocades is second to none. Her deficiencies as yet are largely in spinning and finishing. The Japanese possess a natural taste for colour and design, although this has largely developed so far on the lines of women's require- ments. We believe, however, that they can adapt themselves to other branches of trade without difficulty. They will certainly improve their technique in all respects as time goes on. Japan undoubtedly constitutes a serious potential menace to Great Britain's export trade so long as low production costs, similar to those described above, can be maintained.
1930 (First six months).
In the above are included:
MOUSSELINE DE LAINE.
To China and
Manchuria in-
cluding Hong-
British Other
India. Countries.
Total.
kong.
£1,000's.
Non-existent or inconsiderable.
1913
1926
19
163
24
206
1927
29
109
24
163
1928
22
15
16
53
1929
23
35
17
75
1930 (First six months)
11
7
21
WOOLLEN CLOTH, SERGES, ETC.
To China and i
Manchuria,
including
British Other
India. countries.
Total.
Hongkong.
1913
1926
51
1927
66
1928
260
1929
303
1930 (First six months)
99
£1,000's.
Non-existent or inconsiderable.
2 2
KINON
7
60
1
69
2
262
9
312
2
101
The remaining classifications of Japanese exports are too insignificant for mention.
E.
MISCELLANEOUS INDUSTRIES.
72. The foregoing sections have dealt with the major industries of Japan, cotton, iron, steel and engineering, and the wool textile industries. It is now only proposed to touch briefly on some other industries which, by their character, capacity, and excellence, compete with British productions, both in the Japanese and other markets abroad.
PORCELAIN.
73. Porcelain for both utilitarian and decorative purposes, is the product of an especially efficient industry in Japan, employing 65,000 work people. The annual production is valued at approxi- mately £7.5 million, of which 60 per cent. is tableware. Next to textiles, porcelain-ware is the chief manufactured export of Japan, and amounted in 1929 to £3.7 million (an increase of 20 per cent. over 1927), the principal markets being the United States, the Dutch East Indies, China and India. Such factors as we were able to visit were obviously operated on most efficient and up-to- date lines, the breakages were noticeably small, and the packing for export admirable in every way. The ratio of workpeople employed to the number of pieces produced appears to be quite as favourable as in Great Britain, while the wages paid vary according to skill from 2s. to 4s. per day of nine or ten hours in a six-day week.
GLASS.
74. Japan is a producer of common and plate glass, and of glassware, and under these three headings exported in 1929 goods to the value of £1.3 million, the principal destinations being India,
23.5
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